IVV vs PQDI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PQDI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $70M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 5.61% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 95 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +1.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +4.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +8.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +2.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -17.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 16, 2020 |
IVV vs PQDI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while PQDI returned +4.94%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 1.47% for PQDI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +8.59% for PQDI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +2.99% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +3.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.3% for PQDI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -17.4% for PQDI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PQDI charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 5.61% for PQDI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PQDI share 4 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PQDI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PQDI charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PQDI?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +4.94% for PQDI, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +3.99% for PQDI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PQDI?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.3% for PQDI. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PQDI -17.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and PQDI?
IVV and PQDI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PQDI?
IVV and PQDI share 4 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PQDI?
IVV yields 1.10% while PQDI yields 5.61%, so PQDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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